65th Aggressor Squadron Re-established At Nellis AFB With F-35A
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65th Aggressor Squadron Re-established At Nellis AFB With F-35A
65th AGRS previously operated the F-15C/D - disbanded September 2014 after Obama Adminstration failed to fund it in FY2015.
Draken contracted to fill the void until June 2022.
Special distinctive color scheme.
Article here:
First F-35 Aggressor Dedicated To Replicating Chinese Threats Unveiled (thedrive.com)
Draken contracted to fill the void until June 2022.
Special distinctive color scheme.
Article here:
First F-35 Aggressor Dedicated To Replicating Chinese Threats Unveiled (thedrive.com)
Be interesting to see what availability rate the F 35 will have. I think most of the “aggression” in this squadron will be techs swearing at Lockheed for producing an un-maintainable airplane
Q: What does it mean when 5 of the 6 F 35’s in the hangar are up on jacks ?
A: They have run out of jacks…..
Q: What does it mean when 5 of the 6 F 35’s in the hangar are up on jacks ?
A: They have run out of jacks…..
Be interesting to see what availability rate the F 35 will have. I think most of the “aggression” in this squadron will be techs swearing at Lockheed for producing an un-maintainable airplane
LAL
What the hell do you think you’re doing? You should know better. You don’t come on here spouting actual facts based on relevant and current information. I’m disappointed in you.
BV
😎
BV
😎
LAL, the US IG doesn’t seem to share your belief in the serviceability record for the F35. If your squadron techs can keep the airplane flying, then I applaud their skill and resourcefulness as I am sure you do.
Your experience does not seem typical for this airplane as reported by numerous sources.
Your experience does not seem typical for this airplane as reported by numerous sources.
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USAF Doesn't Expect New Aggressor F-35s' Camo to Interfere With Stealth - Air Force Magazine
"...“While the application of the alternate paint is a first, we do not anticipate it will have any adverse impacts on the F-35’s low-observable properties,” the spokesperson said. “The alternate paint can be removed at any time to return our aircraft to the original configuration.”However, he later added, “Further testing will be required to discern if there is a difference in the low-observable properties. A standard Air Force aircraft paint was used for the paint scheme, and [Lockheed Martin] engineers approved the use and process of paint application.”
A Lockheed Martin spokesperson said the company was “not involved in selecting or applying the paint.”
Since the first F-35s began coming off the production line, with the exception of national insignia, all F-35 aircraft have had the same finish, although a production line change from a few years ago replaced the light-gray raised material over some panel lines with material of a darker color. Lockheed Martin has explained that the gray-on-gray finish results from the special materials, paint, and coatings required to achieve a low-observable effect. Some of these coatings have a dull, flat appearance, while others are somewhat more glossy. The finish around panel lines is different, for example, from finishes on dielectric surfaces, such as the radome and leading edges. Under certain lighting conditions and from some angles, the underlying silver metallic sheen of the F-35 shines through.
However, the camouflage on the 65th’s aggressor F-35s is limited and does not cover the entire aircraft. No camouflage has been applied to the underside of the jets...."
"...“While the application of the alternate paint is a first, we do not anticipate it will have any adverse impacts on the F-35’s low-observable properties,” the spokesperson said. “The alternate paint can be removed at any time to return our aircraft to the original configuration.”However, he later added, “Further testing will be required to discern if there is a difference in the low-observable properties. A standard Air Force aircraft paint was used for the paint scheme, and [Lockheed Martin] engineers approved the use and process of paint application.”
A Lockheed Martin spokesperson said the company was “not involved in selecting or applying the paint.”
Since the first F-35s began coming off the production line, with the exception of national insignia, all F-35 aircraft have had the same finish, although a production line change from a few years ago replaced the light-gray raised material over some panel lines with material of a darker color. Lockheed Martin has explained that the gray-on-gray finish results from the special materials, paint, and coatings required to achieve a low-observable effect. Some of these coatings have a dull, flat appearance, while others are somewhat more glossy. The finish around panel lines is different, for example, from finishes on dielectric surfaces, such as the radome and leading edges. Under certain lighting conditions and from some angles, the underlying silver metallic sheen of the F-35 shines through.
However, the camouflage on the 65th’s aggressor F-35s is limited and does not cover the entire aircraft. No camouflage has been applied to the underside of the jets...."
